Sam is a scientist who performs poetry.Dan is a poet who writes about science.Together, they are: Dr. Illingworth & Mr. Simpson!

Coming together through their shared passions for spoken word and sharing the incredible research and experiments happening in science, Dan and Sam create and deliver popular science projects and shows. They work in Universities and art spaces, at schools and festivals, digitally and in print - bringing an innovative and exciting approach to science communication.

Sam: S.Illingworth@mmu.ac.ukDan: dan@dansimpsonpoet.co.uk

Dr. Illingworth

Sam Illingworth is a Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at Manchester Metropolitan University. In a past life he was an atmospheric physicist, but now his research is concerned with helping to develop two-way dialogue between scientists and non-scientists. He mainly does this through poetry, games, and by speaking about himself in the third person.

In addition to being an academic, Sam is also a spoken word artist and has performed his science poetry in venues across the world: from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Green Man Music Festival to the Berlin Museum of Natural History and Google HQ in Silicon Valley.

Dan Simpson is a poet, performer, and producer. He makes highly engaging and contemporary work that is popular, smart, and funny. His subjects include science and technology; history and place; geek culture and videogames; people and poetry. Dan has performed around the UK including at Glastonbury Festival, Roundhouse Camden, and at the BBC Fringe Slam. He has created four solo stand-up poetry shows for Edinburgh Fringe.

A former Canterbury Laureate, Dan's first collection of poetry is Applied Mathematics, published by Burning Eye Books. Often working in scientific contexts, Dan has appeared at popular science events and talks.